Crooner62 said...
Hi everyone,
Had a great time at the Celtics game last night despite a tough loss to the Pacers. I've now taken my son to his first Bruins and Celtics game. We just have the Red Sox and Patriots left. I'm having a tough time today for some reason, my minds all over the friggin map! I found out yesterday that I have no short term disability at work, only accidental injury, so I'm already worried about that! Thankfully I have plenty of support from family and friends. One friend in particular, my best friend at work, Eric, has told me that he would like to donate one of his vacation weeks to me to use if I need it.I was totally floored to say the least!! I almost cried. Theres so many things going through my head right now its overwhelming! I have my wife to lean on (THANK GOD FOR HER) and my 3 beautiful children running around the house,so I have plenty to do to keep my mind on other things, I just need to stay busy I guess. Any advise would be welcomed wholeheartedly!! Thanks All!! Chris
Good afternoon, Chris...
Pacers are a tough out...Sorry, you didn't get to see a "W".
I cried almost every single day after my dx, but it was happy tears much like those you almost cried after Eric was willing to step out and help. I found the niceness of people went through the roof and that evoked strong emotion from me often leading to those tears you held back.
Like you, I have 3 kids and a wife. I love sports but my kids don't, sadly.
My advice is... CRY. Let it out. Reach out. Let the warm rushing waters rush over you as often as they wish to flow. I have this odd feeling you will end up just like me. Your perspective on life is already in process of changing and will make a huge shift from where you were when this began. I looked at my dx as a gift not a curse.
Here's an exchange I read that I truly enjoyed... I googled cancer quotes that people gave after their dx and found strength in them none more than this one:
Bill Hemmer: "You said cancer changes your life, and oftentimes for the better."
Joel Siegel: "Yes.... Gilda Radner... said this in her book. What cancer does is, it forces you to focus, to prioritize, and you learn what's important. I mean, I don't sweat the small stuff. I used to get angry at cab drivers. It's not worth it.... And when somebody says you have cancer, you realize it's all small stuff. And what Gilda said is, if it weren't for the downside, everyone would want to have it. But there is a downside."
~American Morning, CNN, 13 June 2003Be vulnerable. You are so why lie and hide it?
Check into all the available methods available to effect a cure or the best chance to keep you going as long as possible. Start exercising (more if you already are), change your diet ( I went to a all natural plant based diet ), Sleep 8 hours or more a night, hydrate yourself well and keep your attitude as positive as possible while acknowledging when you're feeling weak like this AM.
Keep in mind that the ONLY thing that matters is what happens in YOUR situation. All the stats all the numbers have diminished relevance. YOU are UNIQUE as is YOUR situation. Unplug from all the this should happen or this could happen and realize this is your road and yours alone with all of us lined up along the marathon road to offer encouragement to get you across the finish line.
Use this experience to make your heart better and be better at everything you do. Some will let this turn them negative as having cancer can do that. It can do the opposite as it did for me and guys like the moderators here who wish to hang here and help others. Yes, your life is different now but different does not mean it won't be better nor does it preclude it from being so. I'm telling you this is a gift regardless of outcome. To see life through the eyes of what perspective cancer brings is priceless. Enjoy every second of your journey. Drama has come to test you. You'll do just fine in the leading role.